Avonte Oquendo has been missing since Oct. 4, 2013. (credit: Handout)Avonte Oquendo had been missing since Oct. 4, 2013. The medical examiner's office confirmed on Jan. 21, 2014 that remains found along the East River are a DNA match. (credit: Handout)

Schumer on Sunday called for legislation to provide GPS tracking devices for autistic children and others with a tendency to bolt from parents or caregivers.

The senator said it would be similar to a federal program that tracks seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease.

Schumer’s legislation was to have been called “Avonte’s Law.”

“It will help put parents at ease, save precious lives,” Schumer told reporters Sunday. “Avonte’s Law will allow his memory to live on while helping to prevent more children with autism from going missing.”

The senator said the Department of Justice has agreed to allow existing grant funds to be used for the voluntary devices. The justice department confirmed the agreement.

Liz Feld, president of Autism Speaks, said the consequences as seen in Avonte’s case can be tragic.

“There have been 42 deaths, just since 2011, from wandering,” she told WCBS 880’s Marla Diamond.

Sensory issues, Feld said, could cause people with autism to tear off the bracelets.

“The tracking devices are one important step,” Feld said. “We need a full comprehensive strategy to address the issue of wandering.”